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IntroductionThis is a truly historic day for the West of Ireland. I am delighted to be here today to officially reopen the Western Rail Corridor. For the first time in over 30 years passenger trains will again run between Limerick and Galway. This is the longest section of track to be re-opened in the entire country and it is also the first Inter-City line to be re-opened.

This morning I want to speak to you about the proposed Metro North project which will have substantial positive implications, not just for the Fingal area, but for the Greater Dublin region.

We are undoubtedly facing into some very difficult times and some very tough choices need to be made in the new economic reality. However, while we must deal with current realities, we must also plan for a more prosperous future.